Overview of Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg
Strychnos dschurica, also known as "wood quinine," is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found in several countries, including Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic.
Common Names for Strychnos dschurica
The plant goes by several common names, including wood quinine, bitter wood, and kwasin.
Appearance of Strychnos dschurica
Strychnos dschurica is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight stem that is greyish-brown in color, and the bark is smooth with shallow fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a pointed apex and a rounded base. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Uses of Strychnos dschurica
The plant has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments. The bark and stem contain alkaloids, such as strychnine and brucine, which have been used to treat fever, rheumatism, and skin diseases. The plant has also been used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Strychnos dschurica is also valued for its timber, which is used in construction and furniture making.
Light Requirements
Strychnos dschurica typically requires full sunlight to partial shade for healthy growth. It prefers bright light for at least six hours a day. Lack of sunlight may cause the plant to become weak, develop lanky stems, or produce fewer leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Strychnos dschurica is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures, specifically between 20°C to 35°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C as it can lead to severe damage or death.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos dschurica prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5. It can also grow in sandy soils or loam but requires regular watering to maintain nutrients. The plant's roots are susceptible to rot in waterlogged soil; hence, the soil should have good drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil enhances nutrients and promotes healthy root growth.
Cultivation Methods
Strychnos dschurica is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors in regions with warm and humid weather. The plant prefers well-drained fertile soil that is mildly acidic to neutral. The best way to propagate the plant is by using seeds or cuttings. When using cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings and rooting hormone to give the cutting the best chance to establish itself.
Watering Needs
Strychnos dschurica requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. As the plant develops, it requires more water, and watering frequency should be increased. Try not to let the soil dry out completely as the plant can suffer from it, but overwatering can also lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
To achieve optimal growth and yield, it is necessary to fertilize Strychnos dschurica occasionally. A slow-release 15-15-15 fertilizer is recommended. Apply once every three months to supply essential nutrients and promote healthy growth. Avoid using excessive amounts of fertilizer, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil and kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Strychnos dschurica is essential to maintain the overall health of the plant and improve its shape. Prune annually in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove the dead, diseased, and damaged parts first. Then, prune the branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. By doing so, it reduces the risk of pest infestation and diseases.
Propagation of Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg
Strychnos dschurica (Gilg) Gilg can be propagated both by seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of S. dschurica can be sourced from mature fruits that have fallen onto the ground. The seeds should be collected and cleaned to remove all pulp and debris. They can then be sown during the rainy season in a soil mixture of sand and organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1 cm and watered regularly until they germinate. Germination can occur within 1 to 3 weeks, and seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers once they have two to three true leaves.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
S. dschurica can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as cutting, grafting, and layering.
Cutting: Semi-hardwood cuttings of around 10 cm in length can be taken during the rainy season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a soil mix of sand and organic matter. They should be kept in a moist environment until they establish roots and can be transplanted to individual containers.
Grafting: S. dschurica can be grafted onto other compatible species of the same genus. The scion should be taken from mature plants and grafted onto the rootstock during the rainy season. The graft union should be protected with grafting wax until it has fully healed.
Layering: This method involves bending a younger branch of the plant down to the ground and securing it with a stake. The portion of the branch that is in contact with the ground should be wounded with a knife and covered in rooting hormone. After a few months, roots should develop at the wound site, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos dschurica
Strychnos dschurica is a tropical plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests, which can result in reduced yield and quality. Proper management practices are necessary to minimize the impact of diseases and pests on the plant.
Common Diseases
The following are some common diseases that affect Strychnos dschurica:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes black spots on leaves and fruits. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery layer on the leaves and prevents photosynthesis. The disease can be controlled by pruning affected parts and applying fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: It is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on leaves. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides.
- Rust: It is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. The disease can be controlled by applying fungicides.
- Phytophthora: It is a fungal disease that affects the roots and causes them to rot. The disease can be controlled by improving the drainage of the soil and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
The following are some common pests that affect Strychnos dschurica:
- Aphids: They are small insect pests that suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing stunted growth. The pests can be controlled by spraying insecticides.
- Spider mites: They are tiny pests that spin webs on leaves and suck sap, causing yellowing of leaves. The pests can be controlled by spraying insecticides.
- Mealybugs: They are soft-bodied pests that suck sap from the leaves and produce a cottony mass. The pests can be controlled by pruning affected parts and applying insecticides.
- Whiteflies: They are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and secrete sticky honeydew, attracting ants and causing black sooty mold. The pests can be controlled by applying insecticides.
- Scale insects: They are pests that feed on the sap of stems and leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. The pests can be controlled by pruning affected parts and applying insecticides.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are recommended for the control of pests and diseases. These include the use of disease-resistant cultivars, cultural practices, and the application of biological and chemical control measures as a last resort. Regular scouting of the plants and monitoring the population of pests and diseases can help in early detection and effective control.
